KAICIID Secretary-General Honors Spain's Leading Role in Interreligious Dialogue

Faisal Bin Abdulrahman Bin Muaammar, Secretary-General of the King Abdullah Bin Abdulaziz International Centre for Interreligious and Intercultural Dialogue (KAICIID), Presented the Centre at the Conference on the Occasion of the Commemoration of the 20th

NEW YORK, NY and VIENNA, AUSTRIA -- (Marketwire) -- 01/31/13 -- The Secretary-General and the Board of Directors of (KAICIID) have been invited by the Ministry of Justice, as the organizer of a conference held for the Commemoration of the 20th Anniversary of the Cooperation Agreements between Spain and the Religious Faiths (Evangelical, Islamic and Jewish) to promote interreligious dialogue initiatives, to launch the KAICIID Dialogue Centre in Spain and to share KAICIID's vision and mission to an audience of almost 200 guests, including ambassadors, government representatives and religious leaders.

A major achievement of the Agreements was a common and mutual understanding of each religion's unique requirements. Also KAICIID's mission comprises the knowledge of the followers of different religions' and cultures' needs, concerns, background and faith as the basis for respect and reconciliation. Therefore KAICIID supports the Spanish Government event with the objective of the promotion of respect among the followers of different religions and sharing of lessons learned in the field.

In his speech given at the opening session of the conference, KAICIID's Secretary-General stated, "Spain is one of the most active countries in the world promoting interreligious dialogue, with a long history of coexistence among different cultures and religions. KAICIID appreciates Spain's renowned institutions, which promote interfaith and intercultural dialogue with years of experience."

During the opening speech the Spanish Minister of Justice, Alberto Ruiz-Gallardón, referred to, "Our presence in KAICIID reflects the recognition of the work developed by Spain to enhance those values related to diversity and cultural exchange. Our goal is to help religion become a vehicle for peace, and never a matter of discord."

In his presentation of KAICIID in the afternoon of the conference Faisal Bin Abdulrahman introduced the Centre and its Organs, the journey from the beginning up to now and details about its projects -- 'The Image of the Other,' the 'Well-Being of Children,' and the "Fellows Programme."

Later in the afternoon of the conference the Secretary-General and members of the Board of Directors shared an open debate with religious community leaders, diplomats and government officials.

During the day Secretary-General Faisal Bin Abdulrahman met with the Minister of Justice, Mr. Alberto Ruíz-Gallardón, and the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. José Manuel García-Margallo y Marfil for more detailed discussions.

As one of three founding states, Spain has an important role as a member of the KAICIID Council of Parties. Therefore Madrid has been chosen as venue for the upcoming KAICIID Board of Directors Meeting on February 1st and 2nd. Additionally the Secretary-General pointed out, "KAICIID is an International Organisation free of political or economic influence and we are very proud of that too. The decision-making power is in the Board of Directors."